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Electric map owner partners with Gettysburg HACC students for renovations

The Gettysburg Battlefield Electric Map is presently in an inoperable state as a result of age, transport damage and loss of the original control console.

THE EVENING SUN

Posted:
06/14/2013 04:51:14 PM EDT

Scott Roland stands beside the Gettysburg Electric Map after the last two sections of the map were moved into the old Wachovia Bank in Hanover in this Oct. 2012 file photo. (THE EVENING SUN -- FILE)

The nearly 50-year-old electric map illustrating the famous Battle of Gettysburg is currently undergoing major renovations in preparation for public display in the near future.

The Gettysburg battlefield electric map is presently in an inoperable state as a result of age, transport damage and loss of the original control console.

Map owner Scott Roland is seeking the help of Gettysburg Campus HACC college student volunteers to complete the necessary electrical updates and controller programming. The goals of the project are to restore the map to operating condition and provide upgrades to simplify operation and maintenance while preserving aesthetics and the original "map" experience.

"Students involved in this project will have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of course content and deepen their interest in the content, apply skills and concepts learned in class and develop relationships with business and community leaders that could lead to future employment opportunities," said Shannon Harvey, campus vice president of Gettysburg HACC.

She added, "For the community, it is an opportunity to gain talent and expertise without substantially increasing costs by engaging a cadre of competent, motivated students who have an interest in honing their skills, and sharing their time and talents in support of the community project."

A new control console will be required for operation in order to automate the map's light sequence, and eventual narration, to provide a consistent presentation for visitors, said Tom Lepp, mechatronics instructor in the industrial technologies department.

Lepp explains, "The decision was made to refit the map with new electrical components rather than repair the existing wiring and lights due to the condition of the existing components, which are over 50 years old. The electrical system also suffered significant damage when the map was sectioned for removal and throughout the process of moving. This left the aged wiring in need of serious repair and damaged a number of lights. The original lights are difficult to service, repair, and source parts for. Many lights and lenses for lights are severely damaged or missing. The replacement lights, while providing ease of service, will preserve the aesthetics of the original lamps."

"HACC's mission is to create opportunities, transform lives, shape the future - together," Harvey said. "I can't think of a better way to do that than to have students be involved with our community in restoring a piece of local history."

ABOUT THE MAP:

Last October, the 12-ton, steel-and-plaster topographical map was delivered in four tractor trailers, and assembled via a crane through windows of the proposed Hanover Heritage and Conference Center, located at 22 Carlisle St., Hanover, second-floor windows.

In September 2012, the National Park Service announced an online auction to find a buyer for the map, which had been part of the now-razed former visitors center, but was not included in the new center, which opened in 2008. Local investor and developer Scott Roland's winning bid of $14,010 bought the map as a way to attract more tourists and visitors.

The map was created to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic battle between the North and South, waged July 1-3, 1863. The map used electrical lights to show the key battles of the fighting in and around Gettysburg, considered the turning point against the Confederacy in the Civil War.